Skin Curettage in Melbourne
Curettage is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove superficial skin lesions and ensure the health of your skin. As part of our skin services at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, we offer professional curettage treatment in Melbourne. This efficient method can often be completed in a single visit, providing a convenient solution for our patients.
What Lesions Can Curettage Treat?
Curettage is an effective treatment for a variety of superficial skin lesions, including:
- Superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ
- Other superficial, uncomplicated skin cancers
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Certain warts
- Solar keratoses (sunspots)
Our skilled professionals assess each lesion to determine the suitability of curettage, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
What to Expect of Curettage Treatment?
Am I suitable for Curettage?
The candidates for curettage are patients with superficial skin cancers that have been diagnosed by a professional. This procedure is ideal for those who require quick and effective treatment without the need for extensive surgery.
Curettage is suitable for patients of all ages and can be performed on various parts of the body, including areas where healing might be challenging after excision; however, a doctor will determine the treatment option for each case.
The Procedure
The curettage procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: The area around the lesion is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the site.
- Curettage: Using a small, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette, the specialist carefully scrapes away the lesion.
- Electrodesiccation: This step involves applying a mild electric current to the treated area to control bleeding and destroy any remaining abnormal cells.
Recovery from Curettage
Post-procedure, the treated area typically heals within a few weeks, leaving a small, flat, round, white scar. Physical activity is not significantly restricted, allowing you to return to your routine quickly.
Patients may experience:
- Mild discomfort at the treatment site
- Formation of a scab, which usually heals within a few weeks
- Minimal scarring
Our team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
*In cases where the cancer recurs or is more aggressive than initially diagnosed, further treatment, such as re-excision, may be needed.
Diathermy v/s Curettage
Diathermy and curettage are both effective methods for treating skin lesions. Curettage involves scraping the lesion with a curette and then using electrodesiccation to control bleeding and destroy remaining abnormal tissue, making it effective for thicker or more stubborn lesions.
In contrast, diathermy uses high-frequency energy to target and destroy tissue with precision, resulting in minimal damage to surrounding areas and a shorter recovery time. While curettage may lead to more scarring and a longer recovery, combining both techniques can enhance treatment effectiveness, ensuring thorough removal of abnormal cells and better healing outcomes. A specialist will recommend the most suitable method based on your specific condition and treatment needs.
Explore Our Skin Cancer Services
In addition to diathermy, Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic offers a range of skin cancer services, including:
Early Detection is Key Against Skin Cancer
2 out of 3 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70; therefore, early detection of skin cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing thorough and accurate skin examinations to catch any abnormalities early. Early treatment not only improves outcomes but also reduces the complexity and invasiveness of required treatments.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you’re not alone – we’re here to help.
Book an Appointment Today!
Our professional and compassionate team is ready to provide you with the highest quality care in Melbourne. If you have concerns about a skin lesion or need a professional skin check, book an appointment with Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic today.
Our team is here to assist you with expert care and support.
Your Questions, Answered
Yes, curettage is commonly used for the treatment of superficial skin cancers, such as superficial basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It is an effective method for removing these types of lesions and is often chosen for its minimally invasive nature and quick recovery time.
The curettage procedure is relatively quick and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The exact duration can vary depending on the size and number of lesions being treated.
During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is applied, so patients typically experience minimal discomfort. Some mild pain or tenderness may occur after the procedure, but this is usually manageable with pain relief and proper aftercare.
Generally, no special preparation is required before undergoing curettage. However, it is advisable to avoid applying lotions or creams to the treatment area on the day of the procedure. Your doctor may provide specific instructions tailored to your case.
Yes, curettage can be combined with other treatments, such as diathermy to enhance its effectiveness. Depending on the specific condition and treatment plan recommended by your specialist, it may also be combined with cryotherapy or topical treatments.
Your doctor will recommend an appropriate follow-up schedule based on your individual risk factors, but typically, skin checks may be advised every 6 to 12 months.